My View of the World

2010-07-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

Water Drop Photos~~~~
Taken at home. Dropped the water onto a black plate and had a red board behind it. My SB800 was off camera to the right.

2010-05-03T09:57:00.000-07:00

Last week I took a workshop on Close-up and Macro photography. I really enjoyed it a learned a great deal. Below are examples of what I took in the workshop and my initial attempt at close-up at home with some of the roses from our yard.
Workshop first
Done at home

I need more practice and a few more accessories, but this is really fun!!

Catching up with 2009

2010-02-17T11:40:00.001-08:00

Christmas.

Thanksgiving.

Boston, Mass in October

Halifax, Nova Scotia in October

St John, New Brunswick in October

Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor, Maine in October

Portland Head Lighthouse, Portland, Maine in October

Cruise to New England In October

New York City in September

Fire was still burning in October

The Station fire started in August.

We went to Ventura Beach in June.

Disneyland for Mag's B-day in June

Fireworks in July.

Baby Canadian Geese in May.

Oceanside in April.

Renaissance Fair

2009-04-17T12:53:00.001-07:00

The pretty lasses were all there.

Sir Francis Drake made an appearance.

Court Jesters waited to Jest.

Men played games of chance and drake ale.

I see you!

2008-11-21T08:00:00.001-08:00

I see you!, originally uploaded by kkathy.

A few Photos from a trip to the Los Angeles Zoo

It was HOT and most of the animals were sleeping. This Lioness looked so comfortable.

A tiger snoozing in the back of his enclosure.

This was the "Little" Aligator, there was a HUGE one here too, but it was hiding.

A California Sea Lion taking a swim.

A closeup of the big male Giraffe's face.

A Zebra taking a nap.

A few Photos for a Month

2008-07-14T07:56:00.001-07:00

Some photos from the past month:

Mom and Baby Ducks at Disneyland in June.

What the cost of gas has done to the So Cal Freeways.

Watching the surf north of Emma Woods State Beach.

Went to see Wicked in LA on July 6th.

2008-06-05T12:34:00.000-07:00

I got a new little camera to carry in my pocket. I wasn't taking my big camera with me everywhere and found that there were times I wanted to take a shot, but didn't have anything but my phone. It takes terrible photos! So I got a Nikon Coolpix S210, so far I love being able to carry it in my pocket and have it handy any time.

This is an Amaryllis that we've had forever. It blooms every year.

Bubbles from the best bubble maker ever!

Eucalyptus leaves covered in rain drops.

Rain on Memorial Day Weekend.

So far I really like this camera, but my big Nikon is my favorite.

Chairs

2008-06-05T12:21:00.001-07:00

400_0176, originally uploaded by kkathy.

I could use some down time. It's been a busy month and these chairs look very inviting to me....

Sliding Bark

2008-05-15T10:30:00.001-07:00

Sliding Bark, originally uploaded by kkathy.

We stayed at a fantastic B and B last month. While wandering around the property we saw this tree growing from a boulder. It looks like it's bark is sliding off and puddling on the boulder.

More to see in Virginia City

2008-04-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

While in Virginia City we visited the Comstock Fireman's Museum.

This engine is still used for parades and shows.

Right next door is a place where you can see a "real" gun fight.

Or nearby you can get some Candy if you're not into the gunfight scene.

If neither of those appeals to you, stroll on over the Saloon and grab a drink.

Another Church

2008-04-24T13:27:00.001-07:00

879062679110, originally uploaded by kkathy.

This is the Presbyterian Church that is right across the road from the Catholic Church. Both are still quite nice looking and taken well care of. Again from here you can see a building that was previously a bordello.

Churches in Virginia City

2008-04-23T07:53:00.001-07:00

206552679110, originally uploaded by kkathy.

There are 2 very large churches in Virginia City. One is the Roman Catholic Church. For such a small place the churches are very impressive in size. Both are off the main road, but almost directly in sight of at least one of the old bordellos. I guess the miners would hit the bordello on a Saturday night, walk out and see the church and that would remind them to go the next morning....

Virginia City

2008-04-21T11:13:00.001-07:00

694542679110, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The first full day in Reno we drove up the Virginia City. The weather was cold, but the sky was beautiful. There were very few people there when we arrived, probably because it was an off season Monday. Some of the shops were closed, but most were open. This is a view of the Roman Catholic Church from the north end of Main Street.

We interupt this blog with an important video....

2008-04-18T11:38:00.000-07:00

If you are a cat lover or just somebody that just needs a good laugh today, PLEASE watch this..

We now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.....

We arrived in Reno late since we stopped to visit Family in Carson City. This is the view of the sunrise from our suite at Circus Circus

This is the view North:

Clouds

2008-04-16T09:08:00.001-07:00

400_0001, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Along the drive, we saw this cool cloud. It was almost eerie looking and there were smaller versions of this same type in the distance.

Huge Ant Hill?

2008-04-15T09:19:00.001-07:00

400_0010, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Nope not really, it's a Cinder Cone from the dormant Volcanoes that cover the Mojave desert area. This was about 20 minutes prior to stopping at the rest area below.

Start of the Reno Trip!

2008-04-14T09:37:00.001-07:00

400_0012, originally uploaded by kkathy.

We decided we needed to go see some family in the Reno area. So, on April 6th at 0'dark 30, we left home and started the drive north. Our first stop was for donuts and coffee, we needed all the sugar and caffeine we could get :-)

We drove up the 14 to the 395 headed north. We needed a facility break so we stopped at the rest stop in Ridgecrest. Time from home approx 2 hrs.

Fred&Char

2008-04-04T09:32:00.001-07:00

Fred&Char, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Fred: OK....{sigh}.... you can sleep by me.

Charlotte: Can I have a blanket?

Fred: Nope! They are mine, you go sleep in the corner of the sofa.

Charlotte: (shrugs) OK.

Cabbage Anyone?

2008-04-01T08:01:00.001-07:00

DSC_0582, originally uploaded by kkathy.

This was a cabbage that my daughter grew for a contest. As you can see it's rather large! She didn't win, but we had a good time watching this thing grow.

Cats Rock

2008-03-31T08:12:00.001-07:00

DSC_0105, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Charlotte likes to hunt for lizards in the dry stream.

GOTCHA!!!

2008-03-28T07:14:00.001-07:00

DSC_0288, originally uploaded by kkathy.

A typical day of romping :-)

Hide and Seek

2008-03-27T08:49:00.001-07:00

DSC_0289, originally uploaded by kkathy.

This is what the cats play in the backyard.

Char

2008-03-26T07:44:00.001-07:00

100_1027, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Charlotte loves to sit on the back of the dinning room chair and watch the fishies. This day, however, she discovered her tail was available to play with. She sat there for a long time trying to catch her tail....

Zen?

2008-03-25T09:06:00.001-07:00

DSC_0578, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Charlotte having some zen time with budha

Willie

2008-03-24T07:54:00.001-07:00

100_0230, originally uploaded by kkathy.

This is Willie. Willie crossed the Rainbow bridge last year at the age of 18. Willie was a very friendly cat, he'd sit on my lap if I were sitting and he always slept on the bed. He was like a little kid, he sleep right between my and DH's shoulders. Willie even got into the habit of putting his nose up to our faces before he'd go to sleep. I think he saw us give each other a good night kiss and that's what he was doing too.

Freddie

2008-03-21T09:17:00.001-07:00

Freddie, originally uploaded by kkathy.

This is Fred, he's almost 5 years old. Fred is a BIG cat. His tail was damaged when he was a kitten and is now only about 2/3rds the length it should be. Fred loves people, and will force his way on to the lap of any unsuspecting person.

Charlotte

2008-03-19T13:21:00.001-07:00

Charlotte, originally uploaded by kkathy.

It's time to dedicate some time to the four legged, furry members of our family. This is Charlotte, she's almost 2 years old and loves to be outside and chase anything that moves. Charlotte is loving and gentle, she is tiny and only weighs about 5 lbs.

Come on Everybody....

2008-03-07T09:03:00.001-08:00

100_0091, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Let's do the Peacock dance. OK lift one leg....strut your stuff!!

Flower?

2008-03-06T08:24:00.001-08:00

DSC_0664, originally uploaded by kkathy.

I don't really know if this is a flower or fruit, but it was growing in the middle of the fern type plant. Kind of looks like an upside down pineapple type fruit.

Peacock on a wall

2008-03-05T09:19:00.001-08:00

100_0092, originally uploaded by kkathy.

This peacock decided to pose for my daughter. Maybe next time they will pose with their tails unfurled....

Another area of the waterfall

2008-03-04T08:22:00.001-08:00

DSC_0721, originally uploaded by kkathy.

I can hear the water splashing and bird singing. The cool breeze blowing.....

Waterfall

2008-03-03T08:39:00.001-08:00

DSC_0720, originally uploaded by kkathy.

I'd love to be sitting near a waterfall like this, sipping a frosty drink and listening to the birds.

Lichen

2008-02-29T10:51:00.001-08:00

DSC_0680, originally uploaded by kkathy.

This wonderful example of lichen (not sure of the genus) was found on a dead tree branch.

Beautiful Tail feathers

2008-02-28T10:25:00.001-08:00

DSC_0646, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Peacock feathers are so lovely!

Peacock

2008-02-26T08:41:00.001-08:00

DSC_0644, originally uploaded by kkathy.

These beautiful peacocks live all over the Arboretum

Not Spring Yet!

2008-02-25T08:14:00.001-08:00

DSC_0593, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Even in January, some of the trees at the Arboretum had flowers, no leaves yet though.

Tree seeds

2008-02-22T08:02:00.001-08:00

DSC_0661, originally uploaded by kkathy.

After we left the Orchid House we walked around the grounds. Over near the lake there was a tree that had seeds hanging in large clumps. I'd never seen these before.

Lillies

2008-02-21T11:26:00.001-08:00

DSC_0631, originally uploaded by kkathy.

There are so many pretty flowers in the Orchid House!

Golden Slipper

2008-02-20T07:49:00.001-08:00

DSC_0623, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Another of the beautiful Orchids at the Arboretum

Pinky Green

2008-02-19T09:50:00.001-08:00

DSC_0622, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Not sure what type of plant/flower this was, but it was in the orchid house and it was pretty!

Heart Flowers

2008-02-14T07:52:00.001-08:00

DSC_0632, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Happy Valentine's Day! In honor of this special day, I am posting these beautiful Anthurium flowers. Aren't they Pretty?

Pretty In Pink

2008-02-13T15:24:00.001-08:00

DSC_0628, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Aren't these the prettiest pink Orchids?!

Cattleya

2008-02-11T09:09:00.001-08:00

DSC_0613, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Most corsages are made from these orchids. I remember seeing them around Mother's Day in every store. Not so much now, but when I was a kid they'd be everywhere.

Bromiliad

2008-02-08T08:54:00.001-08:00

DSC_0634, originally uploaded by kkathy.

There were several Bromiliads in the Orchid house as well. This one was stunning!

Year of the Rat

2008-02-07T09:09:00.001-08:00

Year of the Rat, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Happy Chinese New Year Everyone!!! I embellished my Orchid today in honor of the Year of the Rat. The Chinese year is 4706.

Legend has it that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each animal's year would have some of that animal's personality. Those born in Rat years tend to be leaders, pioneers, and conquerors. They are charming, passionate, charismatic, practical and hardworking.

May this year bring you Peace, Good Health, Happiness and Prosperity!!

Pretty Stripes!

2008-02-05T08:01:00.001-08:00

DSC_0610, originally uploaded by kkathy.

I'm not sure what this Orchid is called, but I love it's stripes!

Lady Slipper

2008-02-04T10:38:00.001-08:00

DSC_0604, originally uploaded by kkathy.

This Lady Slipper is one of the beautiful orchids found in the Orchid House.

Orchids

2008-02-01T07:24:00.001-08:00

DSC_0601, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The Arboretum has an Orchid House. Once my camera got adjusted to the humidity I was able to get some shots of the beautiful orchids that were displayed.

Hello

2008-01-31T08:32:00.001-08:00

DSC_0587, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Some of the first things you encounter at the arboretum are peacocks. Lots and lots of peacocks! This guy walked right up and greeted us to his favorite place to hang out. The feathers on the backs of their heads look like a bouquet of blue flowers.

The Gazebo

2008-01-30T07:53:00.001-08:00

DSC_0597, originally uploaded by kkathy.

We went to the Arboretum the other day. This is the view of the gazebo from the main path.

Fred

2008-01-29T10:28:00.001-08:00

DSC_0582, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Fred claims all blankets for himself. Doesn't matter that he's already got his own. He shares everything you have.

Details! We want details

2008-01-28T08:10:00.001-08:00

DSC_0488, originally uploaded by kkathy.

OK this is the last of the Christmas photos, I'll post. Good thing, since it's almost the end of January!

The finished product

2008-01-25T11:14:00.001-08:00

DSC_0480, originally uploaded by kkathy.

On Christmas Eve, the tree stood, in all it's splendor, in a place of prominence. Packages were wrapped and family had gathered from far and near to spend the holiday together.

Our Tree

2008-01-23T17:11:00.001-08:00

DSC_0451, originally uploaded by kkathy.

On the second day of Christmas my true love sent to me 2 cats investigating the nordman fir tree.

glowing lights

2008-01-22T09:16:00.001-08:00

DSC_0354, originally uploaded by kkathy.

I was trying to take a photo of the lights. The floor is my first mistake. Maybe next year I can get a better shot.

Charlite?

2008-01-21T17:43:00.001-08:00

DSC_0356, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Christmas has come and gone, but I'm going to keep the spirit of Christmas alive for a little longer. Charlotte was investigating during a photo shoot. Not the best photo, but it's Charlotte.

A sea of orange

2007-11-02T10:19:00.001-07:00

DSC_0224, originally uploaded by kkathy.

OK, so I missed Halloween by a couple of days. These pumpkins can work for all of Fall!

Smoke

2007-10-23T08:44:00.001-07:00

DSC_0262, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The smoke was so thick it blocked the sun

Fire Storm

2007-10-23T08:42:00.001-07:00

DSC_0263, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Sunday, smoke from the fire near us.

View of San Francisco from Alcatraz

2007-10-09T09:26:00.001-07:00

View od San Francisco from Alcatraz, originally uploaded by kkathy.

San Francisco is a long swim from Alcatraz.

The Yard at Alcatraz

2007-10-05T09:26:00.001-07:00

The Yard at Alcatraz, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Look at the view from the yard! Probably made it even worse to be in lock-up. Stretch your legs a bit....

Behind the Cells at Alcatraz

2007-09-28T08:50:00.001-07:00

Behind the Cells at Alcatraz, originally uploaded by kkathy.

If you want out, you'll have to dig through your back wall. From there you will enter this hall, it's up to you now to find your way out.....

Up the Hill

2007-09-20T11:53:00.001-07:00

Up the Hill, originally uploaded by kkathy.

OK Back to San Francisco and Alcatraz....

The cell block tour is 1/4mile from the dock and a 130ft elevation change.

Start walking.....

Yo Ho Yo Ho!!

2007-09-19T10:26:00.001-07:00

Pirate Cruise!, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Ahoy! In honor of International Talk Like a Pirate Day me hearties!!! Now go out and spread the Arrrrrs!!!

We now return you to your regularly scheduled photo blog................

About to tour Alcatraz

2007-09-17T10:20:00.001-07:00

About to tour Alcatraz, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Everyone gathered at the dock to listen to the rules and regulations speech and to hear about the basic History of the Island before we headed off to tour.

Alcatraz

2007-09-14T12:21:00.001-07:00

Alcatraz, originally uploaded by kkathy.

In October 2006 we went to San Francisco for a few days. We flew in to SFO, got our car and checked in at our Hotel. From there we drove up to Fisherman's Wharf to have the most amazing Clam Chowder in a bread bowl and take Photos. This is the first one. Alcatraz!

Hummingbird Lunch

2007-09-10T15:29:00.001-07:00

Hummingbird Lunch, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The little bird buzzed in for her lunch, then buzzed off again.

Squirrel Lunch

2007-08-28T11:56:00.001-07:00

Snacking, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The little tree squirrel sat next to the park bench eating its acorn.

Mockingbird lunch

2007-08-22T11:14:00.001-07:00

DSC_0809, originally uploaded by kkathy.

As I got a closer look at the mockingbird I noticed that it had a small green worm in it's beak. Lunch?

Charlotte

2007-08-17T06:33:00.001-07:00

Charlotte, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The cat sat, slightly hidden by the grasses, watching for prey.

Leafy Sea Dragon

2007-08-01T07:59:00.001-07:00

DSC_0513, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Floating along serenely, the leafy sea dragon blended in with his surrounding. His fluid movement was barely noticeable and it was difficult to see him from afar. This amazing sea creature is docile and can easily be mistaken as a plant. This beautiful creature is a protected species because of threat of extinction.

Diver

2007-07-31T11:22:00.001-07:00

DSC_0482, originally uploaded by kkathy.

I walked down to view the gallery tank from below where the diver talk about the sea life and feed the fish

Unicorns do exist!

2007-07-31T11:21:00.001-07:00

DSC_0510, originally uploaded by kkathy.

In the large gallery tank I spotted Unicorn Fish. Can you see their horn?

Ray

2007-07-31T11:19:00.001-07:00

DSC_0470, originally uploaded by kkathy.

I strolled out of the Lorikeet aviary and over to the little pool that held some other creatures. The sting rays were swimming around allowing everyone to touch their smooth skin.

Keeping watch

2007-07-27T07:27:00.001-07:00

DSC_0459, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Other Lorikeets were walking around on sentry duty, keeping a close eye on anyone or anything near the nest.

Lorikeet

2007-07-26T09:09:00.001-07:00

DSC_0449, originally uploaded by kkathy.

His little beady eyes watched as I passed. I did not know at the time, but below him, in a small nest dug under a rock, were eggs.

Sunset Clouds

2007-07-25T08:21:00.001-07:00

Sunset Clouds, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The sun sets, illuminating the clouds, bringing and end to another beautiful day.

End of Spring

2007-07-24T08:09:00.001-07:00

DSC_0028, originally uploaded by kkathy.

As I left the pond area I walked past the tall grasses and noticed that their once lively blooms had faded to drying pods of seed.

lizard

2007-07-23T09:36:00.001-07:00

lizard, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Near the edge of the pond there were blocks of granite where statues rested and lizards played.

Pond plants

2007-07-23T09:35:00.001-07:00

Pond plants, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Near the little white flower floated some water plants that looked like four leaf clovers. A little fly was sunning itself on one of the plants.

Flower and Fish

2007-07-21T07:50:00.001-07:00

Flower and Fish, originally uploaded by kkathy.

The little white flower caught my eye. It was about the size of a dime and was isolated from the rest of the flowers in the pond. The little fish was darting around the base, eating the things that little fish eat.

Lily Pads Part 2

2007-07-20T06:43:00.001-07:00

Lilly Pads, originally uploaded by kkathy.

As I got closer to the pond, I noticed that under the lily pads the water was clear. The pod was filled with plants and tiny fish that were darting about. The world below the surface was completely unaware of the vastness above it.

Lily Pads

2007-07-19T08:08:00.001-07:00

Lily Pads, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Through the tall grass I could see the lily pads, with their purple flowers, basking in the sunlight.

Rose

2007-07-18T07:41:00.001-07:00

DSC_0803, originally uploaded by kkathy.

6:00am, the sprinklers had just shut off. The droplets of water looked like tiny gems covering the roses.

Bird of Paradise

2007-07-17T07:34:00.001-07:00

Bird of Paradise, originally uploaded by kkathy.

This beautiful Bird of Paradise is so colorful and tropical.

Fred

2007-07-16T08:25:00.001-07:00

DSC_0055_Fred_face, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Today's shot is of Fred. Isn't he handsome!

Sunflower

2007-07-15T14:42:00.001-07:00

Sunflower, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Looking up I saw the biggest sunflower I had ever seen! The stem, rising nine feet in the air, was as big around as my forearm. The beautiful flower was just past its prime and was leaning over as the seeds began to ripen.

Itch

2007-07-14T08:36:00.001-07:00

Itch, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Today's photo is the baby from yesterday. This little one had an itch on his head.

Mom and Baby

2007-07-13T10:39:00.001-07:00

Mom and Baby, originally uploaded by kkathy.

Welcome to my photo-a-day blog.

This is a doe and fawn that were wandering around the mall area eating Jacaranda blossoms. This baby is one of the three that I have seen this year. The other two appear to be twins.